Senior School Newsletter - 8th Edition
Uniform Update
Following our announcement regarding the new school blazer for Years 9 to 11 in September 2025, there has been significant discussion amongst the pupils regarding ties and jumpers. After chatting with each year group, the consensus is that the blazer pairs best with a blue V-neck jumper, which will be available to purchase from Marks & Spencer. Additionally, the children expressed a preference for a unique tie distinct from that of Years 7 and 8. In response, we have created new ties which feature shields in our house colours. These ties will be gifted by the school to each child. We would like to thank the children for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions to these decisions.
Planning Appeal
We are deeply grateful for the incredible support we have received from every corner of our school community throughout our planning process with Woking Borough Council. Since the October meeting, the sense of unity and encouragement has been truly inspiring. Thanks to your overwhelming positivity, we have made significant progress in our appeal process. We believe we have exceptionally strong grounds to challenge the planning committee's decision, further reinforced by the legal challenges we have submitted. With this solid foundation, we remain very confident that our collective efforts will lead to the outcome we have all worked so tirelessly to achieve.
Carol Service 2024
Our Carol Service at Guildford Cathedral was a particularly special occasion, bringing our school community together in a traditional celebration of the festive season. Parents, grandparents, and guests gathered to sing carols, listen to the choirs, and enjoy both traditional and modern elements of the service. The children sang with passion, shared the story of Jesus with confidence, and performed instrumental music to an exceptional standard. It was a truly memorable event that will now become an annual tradition in such a beautiful setting.
Old Hoe Bridgeians Christmas Drinks
In the final week of this term, we hosted our annual Old Hoe Bridgeians Christmas Drinks event. It was an enjoyable and heartwarming gathering, bringing together former pupils to share stories of the past and discuss plans for the future. Strengthening our connection with alumni has been a long-term goal, and we are excited to build on this success. Our next event is planned for early 2025, and we look forward to welcoming even more members of our extended school family.
HBSSC & HBSSPC
This term, both the Hoe Bridge Senior School Committee and the Hoe Bridge Senior School Pioneering Committee have held regular meetings. The work of these groups is crucial in shaping the future of our Senior School, with a focus on creating an outstanding educational environment that enables students to thrive in their GCSE studies. These committees will continue to meet regularly in the coming year and beyond, ensuring sustained progress and enhancement.
Senior School Pupil Devices
We are happy to confirm that our first Year 9 cohort will enhance their studies using HP Envy laptops. This will enable them to explore their subjects and a stronger grasp of key concepts. While these devices will be an invaluable addition, traditional books and pens will continue to play a vital role in the learning journey.
Sports Academies
We are excited to have launched our 'Sports Academy Programme' this term, created for children keen to develop their sporting talents as part of their Hoe Bridge experience. The programme introduces exciting activities like sailing and swimming, alongside expanded offerings in tennis, golf, skiing, and cricket. This initiative also complements the growth of our 'Active Weekend' programme. Following an overwhelming response, our sessions are now fully booked for next term. We look forward to building on this success and further enhancing the programme as we move into 2025.
Timetable & Curriculum
Throughout this term, we have continued refining the timetable and curriculum development for our Senior School. Next year, our current Year 8 pupils will participate in a preliminary 'options' survey, providing a light-touch exploration of their preferences. In February 2026, they will make their final decisions regarding option blocks for Year 10 and their GCSE courses.
Senior School Staff Recruitment
We have initiated the recruitment process for our GCSE Hub teaching staff and are thrilled to have received over three hundred expressions of interest for the five positions we plan to advertise in early January. Interviews and appointments for these new roles will take place throughout the Spring Term.